We can get so caught up in the demands and busyness of this time of year that it is easy to overlook dedicating some time to take stock and reflect on the past year and the progress you have made towards your goals.

It’s also a good time to celebrate your successes, all that has been great about the year and to appreciate everything you have in life. This provides some good positive energy to carry into the New Year.Reflecting and also planning what you would like to achieve and experience in the New Year is a great discipline to follow.

Prior to the start of the New Year I recommend that you spend some quiet time to think about what has been great about the year, lessons you have learned and get clarity on what any challenges have taught you and what you are grateful for in life.

To prepare and plan for 2016, I suggest that you take a notebook and set aside a few hours to work through a series of questions and jot down your responses. You don’t have to answer the questions in one session although you may prefer to do it that way.

You may wish to divide the process into bite sized chunks over a week. Choose which method fits best with your schedule and other priorities. I recommend that you take out your notebook and review your progress throughout the forthcoming year (normally at the end of each quarter).

Personally, I find the following questions to be useful when reviewing the year and planning for the forthcoming one.

Review of the past year:

  • What has been great about this year and what are my top 5-10 highlights?
  • What have been the smartest decisions that I have made?
  • How have I grown and developed?
  • What gave me the greatest happiness?
  • What do I want to celebrate about this year?
  • What lessons have I learned and what have challenges taught me?
  • What do I need to let go of from the past year?
  • What am I grateful for in my life?

Planning for the forthcoming year:

  • What would I like to celebrate at the end of the year?
  • What are my main personal and professional goals in the forthcoming year?
  • What are my financial goals for the forthcoming year?
  • What steps do I need to take to improve/maintain my health and fitness?
  • What can I do to improve my relationships?
  • What would I like to add, change or eliminate from my daily routine?
  • What plans do I have to grow, develop and learn?
  • What steps can I take to improve my happiness?
  • How can I increase the amount of fun that I have?

I hope that the forthcoming year is a First Class one for you and is full of happiness, good health and abundance. Happy reflecting and planning.

This week’s quotation:

“Whatever your mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” Napoleon Hill.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk